Albert Johnson III v. State of Iowa ( 2020 )

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF IOWA
No. 18-0983
Filed March 4, 2020
ALBERT JOHNSON III,
Applicant-Appellant,
vs.
STATE OF IOWA,
Respondent-Appellee.
________________________________________________________________
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Mark R. Lawson,
Judge.
Johnson appeals from the denial of his amended application for
postconviction relief. AFFIRMED.
Thomas J. O’Flaherty of O’Flaherty Law Firm, Bettendorf (until withdrawal),
and Zeke R. McCartney of Reynolds & Kenline, L.L.P., Dubuque, for appellant.
Albert Johnson III, Clarinda, self-represented appellant.
Thomas J. Miller, Attorney General, and Tyler J. Buller, Assistant Attorney
General, for appellee State.
Considered by Bower, C.J., Mullins, J., and Vogel, S.J.*
*Senior judge assigned by order pursuant to Iowa Code section 602.9206
(2020).
2
MULLINS, Judge.
Albert Johnson III, appeals the denial of his application for postconviction
relief (PCR). Johnson raises claims through counsel and pro se.1 Through
counsel, Johnson argues (1) trial counsel was ineffective in failing to object to (a)
police testimony outside the scope of the minutes of evidence, (b) the joint-
criminal-conduct jury instruction, and (c) the prosecutor’s use of undisclosed police
testimony and vouching for witness credibility in closing arguments; (2) appellate
counsel was ineffective in failing to (a) adequately raise and argue the
voluntariness of the speedy-trial waiver, and (b) raise the issue of prosecutorial
misconduct regarding use of undisclosed police reports and the joint-criminal-
conduct jury instruction; and (3) PCR counsel was ineffective in (a) failing to
actively pursue the case after filing a pro forma amended PCR application,
(b) engaging in conduct resulting in a reprimand from the Iowa Attorney
Disciplinary Board (Board), and (c) failing to depose several witnesses in the
underlying criminal matter and in PCR proceedings. Johnson argues pro se that
(1) trial counsel was ineffective in failing to object to police testimony outside the
1 While recently enacted legislation forecloses our ability to consider pro se
documents, see 2019 Iowa Acts ch. 140, § 30(1) (codified at Iowa Code
§ 814.6A(1) (2019)), we have concluded the legislation does not apply to pro se
materials filed before its effective date, July 1, 2019. See, e.g., State v. Banks,
No. 18-1337, 2020 WL 110297, at *2 n.2 (Iowa Ct. App. Jan. 9, 2020); Campbell
v. State, No. 18-1052, 2020 WL 105086, at *1 n.1 (Iowa Ct. App. Jan. 9, 2020);
State v. Banks, No. 18-0721, 2020 WL 105078, at *1 n.1 (Iowa Ct. App. Jan. 9,
2020); State v. O’Connor, No. 18-0376, 2020 WL 109509, at *3 n.1 (Iowa Ct. App.
Jan. 9, 2020); State v. Syperda, No. 18-1471, 2019 WL 6893791, at *12 (Iowa Ct.
App. Dec. 18, 2019); Daniels v. State, 18-0672, 2019 WL 6894225, at *1 n.2. (Iowa
Ct. App. Dec. 18, 2019); State v. Kehoe, No. 18-0222, 2019 WL 6893771, at *1
n.1 (Iowa Ct. App. Dec. 18, 2019); State v. Purk, No. 18-0208, 2019 WL 5790875,
at *7 n.8 (Iowa Ct. App. Nov. 6, 2019). We will consider Johnson’s pro se briefs.
3
scope of the minutes of evidence and (2) both trial and appellate counsel were
ineffective in (a) failing to investigate an alleged speedy-trial violation,
(b) neglecting Johnson, (c) failing to argue on appeal that Johnson’s speedy-trial
waiver was not voluntary, and (d) failing to file for rehearing with this court or for
further review with the Iowa Supreme Court.2
I. Background Facts and Proceedings
In 2012, Johnson, formerly known as Albert Butler III, was convicted of
burglary in the first degree, robbery in the first degree, conspiracy to commit a
forcible felony, willful injury causing serious injury, and assault while participating
in a felony resulting in a serious injury. This court affirmed the convictions on direct
appeal. State v. Butler, No. 12-0858, 2013 WL 2145741, at *1 (Iowa Ct. App. May
15, 2013). Johnson began PCR proceedings following the appeal. Johnson
alleges his numerous attorneys throughout the underlying criminal and PCR
proceedings were ineffective.
The incident giving rise to Johnson’s criminal charges occurred on January
17, 2011. A home invasion was perpetrated by three people, one armed with a
shotgun. One occupant was shot in the leg. Johnson was the alleged shooter.
When charged in August 2011, Johnson was incarcerated in Illinois and was
appointed counsel from the Iowa Public Defender’s Office. The public defender
withdrew due to a conflict of interest, beginning a revolving door of counsel
throughout Johnson’s criminal and PCR proceedings. The particulars of each
2Johnson’s pro se claims largely duplicate claims raised through counsel. To the
extent the claims overlap, we choose to address them only once.
4
counsel’s representation will be discussed in relation to the claims presented
below.
II. Standard of Review
Appellate courts review PCR proceedings for errors at law. Ledezma v.
State, 626 N.W.2d 134, 141 (Iowa 2001). However, claims of ineffective
assistance of counsel, even when raised through PCR proceedings, are reviewed
de novo. Id. When exercising a de novo review, “we give weight to the lower
court’s findings concerning witness credibility.” Id.III. Discussion
A. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
Johnson claims all counsel that represented him through the process of trial,
direct appeal, and PCR were ineffective, except the public defender and counsel
for this appeal. In order to prove ineffective assistance of counsel, “a claimant
must satisfy the Strickland test by showing ‘(1) counsel failed to perform an
essential duty; and (2) prejudice resulted.’” State v. Clay, 824 N.W.2d 488, 495
(Iowa 2012) (quoting State v. Maxwell, 743 N.W.2d 185, 195 (Iowa 2008)). The
first prong, failure to perform an essential duty, is satisfied by showing by a
preponderance of the evidence that counsel’s error was so serious that counsel
“was not functioning as the ‘counsel’ guaranteed the defendant by the Sixth
Amendment.” Id. (quoting State v. Palmer, 791 N.W.2d 840, 850 (Iowa 2010)).
The second prong requires the claimant to prove “a reasonable probability that,
but for the counsel’s unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have
been different.” Id. at 496 (quoting Maxwell, 743 N.W.2d at 196).
5
1. Trial Counsel
Johnson alleges trial counsel was ineffective in failing to object to (1) police
testimony outside the scope of the minutes of evidence, (2) a joint-criminal-conduct
jury instruction, and (3) multiple improprieties allegedly committed by the State
during closing arguments.
Our supreme court has found “there is no requirement that the minutes of
[evidence] provide a complete catalogue of witness testimony at trial, but only that
the defense be placed on fair notice and not subject to surprise testimony.” State
v. Shorter, 893 N.W.2d 65, 81 (Iowa 2017). Johnson alleges testimony regarding
a traffic stop that took place nine days after the robbery was used as improper
identification evidence because it was not contained or referenced at all in the
minutes of evidence.3 The PCR court stated:
[The traffic stop] was nine days after the crime. This testimony—
concerning an incident several days after the event and involving the
applicant and a co-defendant—did not provide the defendant with a
meaningful opportunity to counter that testimony. If trial counsel
would have objected, it is likely this testimony would have been
excluded. The court cannot deduce a strategic reason not to object,
and will assume that trial counsel breached an essential duty in
failing to object to this testimony.
However, the PCR court found Johnson failed to prove prejudice.
The minutes of evidence indicate that Officer Butt observed a vehicle and
its occupants while en route to the scene of the robbery on the night of the robbery.
The testimony at issue is about a traffic stop that took place more than a week later
and produced evidence related to a co-defendant. We agree with the PCR court
3Johnson also criticizes trial counsel’s failure to take depositions. Because this
argument was not ruled on by the PCR court we cannot consider it on appeal. See
Meier v. Senecaut, 641 N.W.2d 532, 537 (Iowa 2002).
6
there was no strategic advantage in allowing this testimony to be admitted. Trial
counsel breached an essential duty in failing to object to Officer Butt’s testimony
related to the traffic stop, so we next consider whether Johnson was prejudiced by
the breach. See Clay, 824 N.W.2d at 495–96.
Is there is a reasonable probability Johnson would have avoided conviction
if counsel had objected to Butt’s traffic-stop testimony? See id. at 496. The jury
heard evidence including jailhouse informants testifying to Johnson’s admissions
of guilt and the statements of Johnson’s former paramour regarding admissions
and behavior the night of the crime. The jury also heard evidence placing Johnson
with a co-defendant at the time of the crime. Even if counsel had objected to
testimony on the January 26 traffic stop, we see no reasonable probability the trial
would have resulted any other way. See id.
Johnson argues his counsel was ineffective in failing to object to the joint-
criminal-conduct jury instruction. Jury instruction number ten stated:
When two or more persons act together and knowingly commit a
crime, each is responsible for the other’s acts during the commission
of the crime or escape from the scene. A defendant’s guilt is the
same as the other person’s unless the acts could not reasonably be
expected to be done in furtherance of the commission of the crime.
The State then referenced joint criminal conduct during closing arguments, stating
“this is really something that’s more apropos as it relates to [the co-defendants].”
Johnson does not argue the instruction is an incorrect statement of the law, merely
that it should not have been given based on the facts of this case, and when
coupled with the references in closing statements, was used to “pile onto [the
State’s] theory.”
7
In order to convict pursuant to a joint-criminal-conduct theory, there must
be two separate acts. State v. Tyler, 873 N.W.2d 741, 752 (Iowa 2016). The first
is “the crime the joint actor has knowingly participated in, and a second or resulting
crime that is unplanned but could reasonably be expected to occur in furtherance
of the first one.” Id. (quoting State v. Rodriguez, 804 N.W.2d 844, 852 (Iowa
2011)). In Tyler, the defendant struck another person in the face, knocking that
person to the ground. Id. at 744–45. Shortly thereafter, the rest of the group with
Tyler continued the violent attack. Id. at 745. The two crimes in Tyler, the initial
strike and following group attack, could arguably be separated. Id. at 752. But,
conviction pursuant to a joint-criminal-conduct theory would have required that the
jury “found Tyler acted in concert when he committed the first crime . . . . A jury
would have to find there was a plan in place among Tyler and the others . . . at the
time Tyler struck the first blow.” Id. The fact that Tyler was surrounded by a group
of people was insufficient to support that theory. Id. at 753. The court ultimately
found the joint-criminal-conduct instruction was improper and reversed his
conviction. Id.In the case at bar, the first crimes were the robbery and burglary. The
second crime was the willful injury causing serious injury, which could reasonably
be expected to occur in furtherance of an armed robbery or burglary. It would
appear the requirements described in Tyler have been met. See id. at 752.
However, instruction ten instructed the jury Johnson should be held accountable
for “the other’s acts.” (Emphasis added.) The act of firing the shotgun was not the
act of another, it was Johnson’s act. Thus, it was improper for the instruction to be
given.
8
Our supreme court has also held:
[T]he giving of a joint criminal conduct instruction in instances in
which the alleged multiple participants are either principals or aiders
and abettors in the same crime does not require reversal if there is
no opportunity for the defendant to have been found guilty based on
anything other than his own conduct as a principal or an aider and
abettor of the crime with which he is charged.
State v. Jackson, 587 N.W.2d 764, 766 (Iowa 1998) (citations omitted). In this
case, there was no opportunity for Johnson to have been convicted of the willful
injury causing serious injury for the acts of anyone else as he was the principal,
the shooter. Thus, the error in giving instruction ten to the jury is not fatal. See
Shorter, 893 N.W.2d at 75–76; Jackson, 587 N.W.2d at 766.
Johnson finally argues trial counsel was ineffective in failing to object to
misconduct committed by the prosecutor during closing arguments. Johnson
targets the previously discussed evidence obtained pursuant to Officer Butt’s traffic
stop, personal opinions allegedly offered by the prosecutor, and vouching for
witness credibility. Based on our prior analysis of the Officer Butt traffic stop, we
maintain our finding the failure to object to the evidence, and the following failure
to object to the discussion in closing arguments, was not prejudicial. As to the
other alleged instances of prosecutorial misconduct, we consider them below
under a separate heading.
2. Appellate Counsel
Johnson, through counsel, generally argues that prior appellate counsel
was ineffective on direct appeal. In this appeal, however, the briefs make only
general allegations and provide no references to specific instances of
9
ineffectiveness in the record, nor are there sufficient legal citations.4 Briefs
submitted on appeal must include citations to legal authority and relevant sections
of the record, failure to do so may result in waiver of the issue. Iowa R. App. P.
6.903(2)(g)(3). Because of the failure to identify specific alleged errors, we deem
the arguments waived.
Johnson argues pro se that both trial and prior appellate counsel were
ineffective in failing to argue his speedy-trial waiver was involuntary. The State
argues the waiver was voluntary and counsel, specifically appellate counsel, was
not ineffective for failing to raise a meritless argument.5 Because the PCR court
addressed this claim in relation to only appellate counsel, we will do the same.
See Meier, 641 N.W.2d at 537.
At the time charges were filed, Johnson was incarcerated in a federal facility
in Illinois. He was appointed counsel and attempted, pro se, to seek extradition to
Iowa. Johnson was transferred to the Scott County jail approximately two months
later and was immediately appointed new counsel.6 Newly-appointed counsel
appeared with Johnson for arraignment on October 20, 2011, and demanded
4 Counsel made one reference to legal authority following citations to cases
describing the test for ineffective assistance. Merely reminding the court of the
responsibility placed on appellate attorneys to assess error is insufficient to alert
the court of the errors to be addressed on appeal. See Iowa R. App.
P. 6.903(2)(g)(3).
5 Johnson also argues trial and appellate counsel were ineffective in neglecting
him and appellate counsel was ineffective in failing to file for rehearing with this
court or further review with our supreme court. Neither issue was ruled on by the
PCR court. Thus, we deem them waived. See Meier, 641 N.W.2d at 537.
6 Prior counsel, appointed following withdrawal of the public defender, alleged she
was never notified of the appointment. The PCR court credited Johnson’s
testimony that he attempted to contact prior counsel while in Illinois but also found
a “reasonable assumption” counsel did not reply based on her testimony she was
never notified of the appointment.
10
speedy trial, which would expire on November 7. Trial was set for that date.
Johnson expressed frustration with the newly-appointed counsel early in their
relationship. Johnson filed, pro se, a motion to dismiss on October 26, alleging
he had less than a month to prepare for trial. The motion was scheduled for
hearing on November 28. Counsel informed Johnson he was prepared for trial on
November 7 and would argue the motion to dismiss as a pretrial motion, but
Johnson could waive his right to speedy trial to have more time to prepare and
secure new counsel. Johnson waived speedy trial and sought new counsel,
successfully asking for a specific attorney.
The PCR court found Johnson voluntarily waived speedy trial, noting his
tactical purpose. Johnson wanted new counsel to appear with him at trial.
Testimony at the PCR trial indicates counsel advised Johnson of the rights
implicated in waiving speedy trial, discussed the disadvantage of having little time
to prepare for trial, but also that counsel was in fact prepared for trial. The PCR
court found counsel was prepared for trial within the speedy-trial deadline. Based
on these facts, we cannot say counsel breached an essential duty in failing to
argue the speedy-trial waiver was involuntary on appeal. See Clay, 824 N.W.2d
at 495. Thus, appellate counsel was not ineffective in this respect. See id.
3. PCR Counsel
Johnson argues his first and second PCR counsel were ineffective in failing
to adequately develop a record. Johnson also claims second PCR counsel was
ineffective based on a finding of the Board that counsel “should be admonished.”
Johnson argues third PCR counsel was ineffective in failing to take depositions.
11
Claims that counsel did not adequately create a record are broad and fail to
identify any specific error. Our supreme court has found “appeal of an equity case
does not entitle an appellant to a trial de novo, only review of identified error de
novo.” Hyler v. Garner, 548 N.W.2d 864, 870 (Iowa 1996). We find the same
principle is applicable here. Because specific factual and legal conclusions have
not been identified for our review, we cannot address the claim that first and
second PCR counsel failed to create an adequate record.
Johnson appears to claim he is automatically entitled to relief based on the
Board’s finding second PCR counsel violated duties owed to clients. Johnson’s
claim is based on a letter from the Board following a complaint he filed. However,
the two-pronged test used by Iowa courts to examine claims of ineffective
assistance provides otherwise. See Clay, 824 N.W.2d at 495. Even if the Board’s
findings are dispositive of breach, Johnson must still prove prejudice. See id.
The Board’s letter states second PCR counsel engaged in conduct which
violated rules regarding diligence, communication, safekeeping property,
disregarding a court order, and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
From the record, we can see second PCR counsel violated a court order directing
counsel to file an appearance and schedule Johnson’s trial, failed to maintain
communication with Johnson, and failed to appear for a hearing as directed by the
court. It is apparent second PCR counsel breached duties owed to Johnson.
However, second PCR counsel was removed before trial took place. Although
second PCR counsel’s behavior was inappropriate, it does not give this court any
reason to question the outcome of the PCR trial. See id. at 496.
12
Johnson also alleges third PCR counsel was ineffective in failing to take
depositions prior to trial. Johnson argues this resulted in counsel asking “basic
background questions” at trial, leaving gaps in testimony that should have been
further developed. The record shows third PCR counsel moved to continue trial in
order to take depositions in August 2016, successfully applied for state funds to
take depositions in March 2017, and unsuccessfully moved for permission to
withdraw in February 2018. Trial was set for April.7 In the order denying the
motion, the court said counsel had a “good grasp” of the issues and noted
counsel’s acknowledgement that depositions still needed to be taken. Depositions
never were, in fact, completed. But, the statement of issues filed prior to trial and
PCR trial transcript confirm that counsel understood the issues, developed
arguments, and thoroughly examined witnesses. On this record, we cannot say
the failure to do so has resulted in a breach of duty. See id. at 495. Because we
find third PCR counsel did not breach a duty, we do not find counsel ineffective.
See id.
B. Prosecutorial Misconduct
Johnson alleges the prosecutor improperly suppressed police documents,
submitted jury instruction ten on joint criminal conduct, and vouched for the
credibility of witnesses. We will also address the personal-opinion argument raised
above. The State argues error has not been preserved on any prosecutorial-
misconduct claim, insisting they are barred by statute. As to the personal-opinion
argument, the State insists no misconduct occurred.
7 Trial was continued to May due to a court conflict.
13
In general, to preserve an issue for appeal it must be raised before and
decided by the district court. Meier, 641 N.W.2d at 537. A similar procedure
extends to PCR proceedings.
All grounds for relief available to an applicant . . . must be raised in
the applicant’s original, supplemental or amended application Any
ground finally adjudicated or not raised, or knowingly, voluntarily, and
intelligently waived in the proceeding that resulted in the conviction
or sentence, or in any other proceeding the applicant has taken to
secure relief, may not be the basis for a subsequent application,
unless the court finds a ground for relief asserted which for sufficient
reason was not asserted or was inadequately raised in the original,
supplemental, or amended application.
Iowa Code § 822.8 (2013). Our supreme court has “long held [PCR] is not a means
for relitigating claims that were or should have been properly presented on direct
appeal.” Osborn v. State, 573 N.W.2d 917, 921 (Iowa 1998) (citations omitted).
In order to raise prosecutorial-misconduct claims as a part of PCR proceedings
that were not raised on direct appeal a claimant must show “sufficient reason” or
“cause” for not doing so. Id. A claimant must also show actual prejudice resulted.
Gordon v. State, 480 N.W.2d 265, 267 (Iowa Ct. App. 1991).
In this case, no argument for sufficient cause was presented. Johnson’s
brief addresses only the merits of the claims. The PCR court addressed evidence
outside the minutes of evidence solely through ineffective-assistance claims.8 The
PCR court addressed the vouching claim, albeit briefly, finding no misconduct
occurred. Because no sufficient cause or prejudice has been shown, we cannot
reach the merits. See Osborn, 573 N.W.2d at 921; Gordon, 480 N.W.2d at 267.
8 The district court did not address the admission of Officer Butt’s traffic-stop
evidence or submission of jury instruction ten through a prosecutorial-misconduct
theory. Because those arguments were not raised and ruled on, we deem them
waived. Meier, 641 N.W.2d at 537.
14
We now turn to Johnson’s claim his trial counsel was ineffective in failing to
object to prosecutorial misconduct. Johnson’s claim rests on alleged misconduct
through admission of undisclosed police testimony and the prosecutor’s personal-
opinion statements during closing arguments. In its brief discussion, the PCR court
stated the prosecutor “did not interject her personal beliefs. While she certainly
made statements that the applicant and his attorney disagreed with, this framed
the issues for the jury to decide.” No misconduct was found.
The PCR court’s ruling addressed Johnson’s allegations of prosecutorial
misconduct but did not address any ineffective-assistance claim for failure to object
to prosecutorial misconduct. In order for this court to review those claims, they
must have been raised before and ruled upon by the lower court. Meier, 641
N.W.2d at 537. It does not appear that happened, and we deem the claims
unpreserved. See id.IV. Conclusion
We find all of Johnson’s claims of ineffective assistance of counsel, raised
through counsel and pro se, must fail. Because Johnson failed to present an
argument showing sufficient cause for failing to raise his prosecutorial-misconduct
claims on direct appeal, we deem them waived and unpreserved.
AFFIRMED.